Hope Spring WASH run Abuja, Nigeria.

The WASH run was attended by different WASH-based organizations and professional runners. The Nigeria Country Director of Hope Spring Water Charity Foundation, Mr. Temple Oraeki, opened the event with a brief talk on the essence of the run, which was to sensitize the public on their human rights to WASH and draw the attention of the private sector to invest in WASH. He further stated that the event could not have happened at a better time than this time for three reasons;

1. The Federal Government of Nigeria has just recently declared a State of Emergency in the WASH sector and this sensitization would serve as a galvanized action to set the ball rolling in revamping the WASH sector in Nigeria

2. Nigeria is building up to the election period and this campaign would serve to ask citizens to demand for their rights to WASH from aspirants. He also stated that the event would serve as a platform to promote the Vote4WASH campaign.

3. The world marks the World Toilet Day, every 19 November and this event highlights this remarkable day and calls for action to change the status quo, especially in Nigeria, where about 50 million people still practice open defecation (ranked 2nd globally)

The WASH organizations represented at the event includes; WaterAid Nigeria, AimCare Nigeria, Action Against Hunger, Sustainable Waste Initiative, SDGs Network, NYSC SDG-CDS group. The federal government was not left out as they were represented by members of the Federal Ministry of Water Resources.

Members of the different WASH organization rubbed minds on how to go about ending open defecation in Nigeria. It was unanimously agreed that synergy amongst all WASH organizations and the Federal Government is imperative.

The WASH Run kicked off from Berger Roundabout, Abuja and finished at National Stadium Bridge. It had 30 registered runners while other attendees walked and sensitized the public in the process.

The winners of the WASH run were presented with cash prizes and the team of Cyclers from Dapper ES, joined the sensitization campaign.

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